Goffman and the Presentation of Self (Sumblog 9)

I really like Goffman's views on the presentation of self. I think that he put things in a way that we can easily understand. His analogy of a theater and stage and plays really make it easy for us to grasp. I myself have never been in a play but whether or not you have ever been in one or even seen one, we all know the main components of plays.

He explained the status as being a particular position, for example I am a student, brother, and a son. He also explained the role to be the expected behavior of a particular status. For example, I am a student so I am expected to learn, study, and graduate. His explanation of self label was also good. This he explained to be an identity that one presents to others in an attempt to manage their impression of him or her. This makes sense and we can relate to this every day. To some people, like my friends, my self label is a little less formal and maybe inappropriate. Whereas my self label around older adults and parents would be more formal and reserved, wanting them to think the best of me.

Dramaturgy and the components of Goffman's theory are also very interesting to look at. In our every day lives we perform small plays, in every setting, in every situation. This may sound confusing but if you really think about it you put on an act in every situation. In class you act a certain way, with your friends at home you act a certain way, and at a sporting event you act a certain way. These are all little plays that you act out without even realizing it. We also have props in these plays. Props like, your car, your house, your clothes and even your friends can be props.

I really liked Goffman's analysis of the presentation of self and it opened my eyes to things that I didn't even realize. I really like this video because it talks about Goffman's presentation of the self in terms of theater.